Two Worlds in Winter by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
It was cold on the day I took this picture; and—as weekend custom dictated—I was with Corey, wandering around, looking for things. We tend to wander a lot, looking for things, and as we wandered through park-land and meandering streets, we kept to the river in the hopes of finding something we’d scarcely seen before.
Sunset flared to the west, and—as I recall—it was the first real light of the day. Though winter hadn’t yet made its departure, we were not in the mood to stay indoors, pecking away at laptops, or watching DVDs…there was time enough for that. Later. There was light, and our photographic instincts screamed for us to take advantage of that. We did so.
In our wander along the course of the Chicago River (the shallow and narrow North Branch) I saw enough to satisfy myself. I found myself intrigued by gnarled and naked tree roots; I couldn’t identify the trees. They were tall ones. I knew that much, and judging by their trunks, they weren’t very old. Judging by their exposed root systems, they probably didn’t have very long to live. Many—as I saw—leaned at oblique angles over the river itself, soon to bridge it (I suspected) if water levels rose and erosion did its thing. We’d had snow, after all, enough to induce a river-rise in the coming spring. I didn’t anticipate floods, nor did I think that we’d endure the spring storms that have now passed.
I’d intended to post this a lot earlier, but other pictures jostled for my attention, and some of them were posted. As it’s sweltering today, and as I like this picture, I’ve decided to post it now, and recall the crisp chill in the air, the crackling sound of a breeze through naked, wooden branches, and the low hum of the city in winter’s hibernation. I was intrigued by the tree-roots and rather liked their reflection in the still (and clear) water.
As with other shots I’ve made, involving reflections, and bodies of water, I wonder if the river-born reflections of trees could—in some way—be a glimpse elsewhere. Perhaps. And who knows, there might eventually be a story about it. Or not.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting; and I hope you’re all having a fantastic week that isn’t too hectic or too sweltering.
Comments (23)
Wonderful capture my friend.
This is cool! Like you I love the reflection in the water. I'm not sure, but I think it's an Australian Aboriginal tale of a man who loses himself in his reflection in the water: He used it to enter the dreamtime, but confused the reflection for the real world and went to the wrong place. I always thought that sounded like such a modern scifi story, but was told by an ancient people. Or the Taoist poet who wondered if he was a man who dreamed of being a butterfly, or a butterfly who was dreaming of being a man? The reflections in the water aren't the same as us, but somehow are close enough to our world that it's disquieting. We wonder who we are when we look into the water, and who is looking back at us? Very cool photo, Chip, you've really fired my imagination!
such beautiful reflections ... its extremely hot here ..its hard to go out side and do anything these days
Nce one, Chip. As you might know, I like images which allow imagination to flow..like does this one.
I love reflecting on reflections myself; they seem richer than the "real" world, infinitely more inviting. Wonderful capture!
I love waterside scenes and especially those that show nature reflections--this is particularly captivating because these trees are so magnificent--reflected off the water top they appear to have an almost spiritual allure--very mesmerizing image
Not all posting need to be of flowers, statues or other "pretty" things. Now this is just a photo of a muddy river bank. But look at the way the light makes the trees and root systems just jump off the screen. Then look at the reflection. Did you realize that there was a beautiful blue sky above the river? Only the reflection shows that. Well seen my friend and a fantastic capture. Dana
Oh, I love this, and looking at the reflection makes it feel as though you're falling into a dream. The roots could be home to strange underwater gnomes or trolls.
This is one of the best reflection images I've seen Chip. Any image with trees in is okay by me, and with a reflection it's a double pleasure. ^=^
This has a certain 'grittiness' which I like, and I admire your ability to see beauty in a very urban place. I have to be in the right mood for that myself! I really like the refelction with all its depth of colours.
I Love this shot with the wonderful reflections, Chip and I all the most LUV your expression of the mood and your feelings that day. Not to mention your amazing thoughts about the reflection world...:). and I so agree with Andrea.
The coldest days are the clearest days... this is a marvelous shot - crystal clear.
I love this "encounter":)and the magic it speaks...So nice when we can turn things to our side.Fabulous reflections and view.
I really like this picture. The top, the real world, has a harsh, damaged look. But the reflection is cool, mysterious, and inviting. Even the little bit of fencing that just touches the top of the picture becomes a soft rippled effect in the water. Brilliant.
belle photo!
The river is so clear that this capture is almost surreal, with more showing below the waterline than above. The chain link fence is only just glimpsed behind the trees, but is caught in full in the reflection, as are more lively trees in the background. The quality of the light is beautiful too, and the stark shadows. Beautiful, my friend.
splendid!! the upside down world is better that the actual one!!
as usual i love saturated colors, and reflections! i like this one with the gnarled roots and the illusion of sumnmer in the mirror sky!
Those roots are amazing, and I love the deep, rich colors of the reflection. Wow. Excellent image! You see such amazing things.
silent view of the other side behind the wonderful reflection!
génial !
Gorgeous reflections!
I get much the same feel as Gail. The top portion looks exposed, like it has been scraped lifeless by the elements. The reflection is an alternative. A glimpse into what might have been. Or perhaps what is, only, just over there. Like paintings, mirrors and reflection, it is fun to think of entering that other world. Superb capture!